Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection

Homepage: EMNote.org ■ 🚩Membership: https://tinyurl.com/joinemnote 🚩ACLS Lecture: https://tinyurl.com/emnoteacls Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) RSV is a common virus infecting lungs and respiratory tract Most children are infected with RSV by age two RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the US RSV season typically lasts from November to March in the US Adults can be infected but usually experience mild symptoms Severe infections occur in infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals Pathophysiology RSV is a single-stranded RNA virus in the Pneumoviridae family Two RSV subtypes (A and B) exist, based on surface proteins Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces RSV infects and replicates in bronchial cells Inflammatory response leads to airway obstruction RSV reinfection is common due to immune system evasion Clinical Presentation - Infants and Children Infants: Runny nose, congestion, cough, and low-grade fever Severe cases in infants: Bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and croup Children: Similar to infants, with possible wheezing and breathing difficulties Signs of severe infection: Fast breathing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, poor feeding Clinical Presentation - Adults and Special Populations Adults: Mild cold-like symptoms, possible new-onset wheezing Immunocompromised: Higher risk of severe infection and complications Older Adults: Increased susceptibility to severe infection and complications Complications in vulnerable groups: Pneumonia, respiratory distress, exacerbation of existing conditions Diagnosis Diagnosis based on clinical presentation and history Laboratory testing used to confirm diagnosis in certain cases Diagnostic tests: Antigen testing, molecular testing (PCR), viral culture Chest X-rays may be considered in severe cases Management Treatment is primarily supportive to relieve symptoms and prevent complications Supportive care: Monitoring breathing, oxygen therapy, suctioning, hydration Antiviral medications (e.g., Ribavirin) may be used in specific cases Other treatments: Bronchodilators, corticosteroids (in specific cases) Prevention Practice good hygiene: Frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes RSV vaccines available for adults 60+ and pregnant individuals Immunoprophylaxis (palivizumab) for high-risk infants during RSV season Nirsevimab approved for prevention in newborns and infants (single dose) Prognosis Most people recover fully within one to two weeks Infants and young children at risk for complications like recurrent wheezing and asthma Older adults and immunocompromised individuals at higher risk for severe disease and death